The Importance of Food Safety Media

Training

2nd Oman Food Safety Conference

By Mobisher Rabbani

Introduction

The Media is the eyes and ears of the community but it is a two

edged sword which can either be a force multiplier in creating public

awareness or can be a tool to create mass panic.

Purpose

The purpose and importance for food safety media training includes:

Minimize and manage risks to public health that can be caused by false reporting.

Protect and promote food safety.Provide certainty of flow of information to

the general public on how food safety affects their daily lives.

Protect food traders and business operators from false media accusations.

Name and Shame

Who decides ?With what authority ?With what credibility ?With what biases ?With what evidence ?With what impact ?

Training of Public Affairs Officer

The Public affairs officer is the primary Point of Contact (POC) to the media. Training would provide the individual the following expertise:

Media monitoring and crisis managementBuilding and maintaining contacts with the

local mediaPreparing and sending food safety news &

information to the mediaHandling and facilitation of media personnel

during a food safety emergency

Media Outreach Workshop

A unique training programme designed to provide journalists with key references on reporting on food safety. The interactive workshop should be conducted by government officials and representatives focusing on the main principles, players and activities of government towards food safety.

Media Outreach Workshop

Sessions on:

Introduction of the Public affairs officer / Point of contact (POC) for the media

Historic background on Government’s efforts to create Food Safety

New Food Safety LawsDiscussion and feed back on food safety

media policyNetworking session with government officials

& representatives with the media.

Structure of Media Policy Document

The Policy document is divided into three Chapters:

1-Introduction(i.e. Background, scope, purpose, Approach & Stakeholders)

2-Policy Context (i.e. Intent, Drivers, issues and ground realities)

3-General agreed policies and guidelines for reporting on Food Safety

Policy Intent & Goal

How to incorporate examples like of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), World Health Organization (WHO), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) & etc ‘s Media Kit that should be followed.

The outcome assures food safety for all consumers, These will help journalists turn the media into part of the solution, not the problem, should disaster strike.

CONCLUSION

The national interest of a state is the state's survival and security. Also

important are the pursuit of wealth, economic growth and the future of its

people.

Thanks